21 workers killed due to a fire at a H&M in factory

A Bangladeshi H&M factory caught fire in March of 2010 causing 21 deaths and 50 injuries.  Clothing factories in Bangladesh are prone to fires as a result of poor safety standards.  According to reports, the factory had useless fire safety equipment.  The fire ocuring in March was the second fire in 7 months.  H&M said they had audited the factory in October and found no serious fire safety problems.  The company said they found two covered fire extinguishers, but it was corrected immediately.  H&M visited the factory and had close dialogue with the factory management.  Their primary focus was on those affected and their families.  H&M stated, "As far was we know this terrible accident was not caused by poor working conditions or safety measures.  When it comes to general working conditions in Bangladesh, we believe that being present in the country is the way we can make a change long-term."

A woman mourns her mothers death casued by the fire.

Seeing there was two fires in 7 months, I think H&M needs to take a serious amount of time to help ensure that these fires will not continue to happen.  They need to make sure fire exits are available and make sure every one is aware of what to do in case of a fire.